The assessment of damage to lifelines after natural disasters, such as earthquakes, is a crucial component of emergency response and rescue efforts. Of particular importance is the water supply system, as water is an important survival resource. Even... (more)

The assessment of damage to lifelines after natural disasters, such as earthquakes, is a crucial component of emergency response and rescue efforts. Of particular importance is the water supply system, as water is an important survival resource. Even minor damage to water pipelines can result in contamination and epidemic outbreaks. Water is transmitted in concrete and metal pipes, which are vulnerable to damage caused by ground motions; it is proposed that damage detection methods be devised for both kinds of pipes. Quick assessment of the integrity of these pipelines is necessary for first planning the recovery mission and subsequent infrastructure reconstruction. The long-term monitoring of pipelinesâ¿¿ structural health is also an important component of infrastructure maintenance. A challenge in damage assessment to lifelines is in the fact that most pipelines are buried in soil. This proposal is for the development of methods for the detection of damage to concrete and metal pipelines caused by permanent ground displacement. It is envisioned that future lifelines will be â¿¿smart structuresâ¿ built of materials with self-sensing capabilities, and wireless techniques will be used to transmit the information carrying signal to the ground surface. The research proposed has three components: soil structure interaction of pipelines subjected to ground movement, material research and design(particularly self-sensing concrete), and information technology focused on data gathering,processing and transfer. A major component of the proposed work will be carried out in the NEES Lifeline Experimental and Testing Facilities at Cornell University, and the research will involve collaboration of faculty from three universities. (hide)